Mr. Speaker, we are being visited today by the Port Perry Cadet Corps. This corps of young men, who attend both elementary and secondary school, has a long history of achievements.
Having been formed in 1898, they are now fast approaching their 100th anniversary. The purpose is not to train soldiers but to train young men for the responsibilities of citizenship.
Being a part of the Department of National Defence, they have expressed to me their concerns about possible reduced funding, especially since they are often dependent on the local forces base, many of which are now closing. They also expressed to me the need to get funding down to the level of local decision makers. Highly centralized authority often makes inappropriate decisions with respect to local needs.
I would like to thank Major Doodley and the 40 young men of the Port Perry Cadet Corps who have made such a major contribution to our community.